Fitness is about planning, determining, and executing a degree of exercise every day commensurate with a level of strength desired. As a fitness photographer, your job is to capture all of that in pictorial form. We’ve assembled a great guide here for your beginning journey into this portrait and commercial genre of photography.
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Type of fitness photography
Fitness photography consists of two types. The first is a fashionable and editorial approach which is often used as a marketing tool on different types of media such as magazines and social networking sites such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. This type of photography is typically used when a gym or a gym product is to be introduced or promoted to a market in a commercial style of photography. The second is portraits for fitness photography which is often used by fitness trainers, models or professional bodybuilders.
Fitness photography is widely popular as it serves as a great behind the scenes medium for sports people and athletes to showcase their fitness journey.
The fitness photography environment
Fitness photography involves capturing fitness environments, people and products related to fitness. It is similar to that of sports photography. One might become confused with the thin differentiation between the genres but there is a difference. Simply put, this genre of photography focuses predominantly on the fitness of athletes and their pre-game workouts rather than in-game performances.
The popularity of fitness photography
This genre is widely popular fitness professionals as it serves as a great medium for sports people and athletes to showcase their fitness or their fitness journey. While the portrait type of fitness photography is the most in-demand due to its usage for social media promotion, the genre of editorial fitness photography has a good niche market in marketing and magazine-type objectives.
Communicate
Understanding your fitness model’s journey and getting to know them will put a lot into perspective for you. Considering a portrait photography perspective, try to get to know your model before the photography session. Talking informally and getting to know your subject will ensure they are comfortable with you both as a photographer and your style. Explain to your model the type of shots and poses that you will be completing.
Practice fitness photography
If this is the first time you are trying your hand at fitness photography, it would be very wise to practice some shots beforehand. Wherever your final fitness photography session is going to be, you can always practice at the same or a similar location. For example, a similar garden for outdoor photography or a gym for indoor photography. Remember, practice does make perfect, especially in photography! Don’t be shy to ask some of the gym-goers to be your model for a few free takes, and experiment all you want!
Develop your style
It is recommended that you develop a style that you are competent with. Dramatic fitness photography compositions that include heavy and advanced use of flash photography will produce some of the most memorable and creative photographs. So, you should become familiar with flash techniques in both studio and outdoor settings before delving deeply into fitness photography.
Equipment
You will require all the basic photography equipment that you need for any kind of professional photography session, including flash setups if that is your style. Starting with a quality DSLR, a tripod and good lighting setup, you would also require different lenses ranging from 14 mm to 100-200 mm. You do not require any telephoto lenses as fitness photography usually deals with subjects in close proximity.
Clear location
Choosing a location is important for fitness photography, as the surroundings must match the style of fitness that the model or client is undertaking. Shooting at gyms or open spaces such as gardens, sporting complexes, beaches, etc is preferred for fitness photography. However, in-studio photography sessions can be achieved effectively – it just depends on your concept.
Background
Whatever location you choose, you need to make sure that the surroundings do not contain any overly distracting background elements. The focus of your photography should only be on the subject, so distracting background elements should be avoided.
Fitness candids
While photographing the fitness subject, instead of photographing a simple portrait, you can always try some candid photographs. They will capture the rawness of fitness and they will bring out the natural aura of the subject.
Large aperture
Especially for outdoor fitness photography, use a larger aperture (i.e. A smaller aperture number) preferably around f /1.2 or f /2.5. This enhances the blurring effect for the background while making your object pop out from the frame.
Props, props, props!
Props are always a great addition to any kind of photography and fitness photography is no exception! Add in the fitness equipment, dumbbells, smoke bombs or even flour! Open your mind and create something unique with props in mind.
Plan your shots
A trial run will help you plan your shots. However, during this trial run, you should check on your lighting needs, poses, camera settings, props and outfits. Again, coordinate with your model and decide on the kind of compositions you want to take in advance. Reference images and mood boards are always of great assistance!
Have fun with fitness photography!
There are a lot of aspects to consider when photographing in the fitness photography genre.
